Question:
I am seriously considering having the WLS, but I am scared.
I have read a lot of success stories on this web site, and a few sad stories. I am 31 and I weigh 360. Honestly, I would like to know what to expect before and after the surgery? — CAROL C. (posted on October 2, 2001)
October 1, 2001
I am only 3 1/2 weeks post-op open rny. I might be an exception but I
would do it again tomorrow if necessary. The pain after surgery is handled
very well at the hospital and I have not taken any pain medication for 1
week or so. My body is already changing significantly. I was 30lbs lost
at 23 days. I am tolerating food well and am looking forward to the next
20 years being better than the last 20. If your insurance will cover this
proceedure then I say go for it. You will have a new life!
— MARSHA D.
October 1, 2001
Hey there. I am 32 and 260 (started at 324). I did a lot of research. Go
to hospitalsoup.com to see websites for you local hospitals and check on
what they have regarding the surgery (you may end up calling as some
websites aren't that organized). Also go to amazon.com and do a search on
Michelle Boasten's WLS book. Then go to wlscenter.com to get Barb
Thompson's book. Both are great sources of info. Check out the local
support groups. Go and ask questions. This is a great place to get
started. Good luck and God Bless!
— Kimberly L.
October 1, 2001
You are right to be cautious about wls. It is a major step. But if you
can't lose weight any other way, it is a tool you can use to rid yourself
of the problems related to your obesity. I am 32 and had the surgery
because I was only gaining steadily, not yo-yo-ing. I knew that without it
I would continue to get bigger and bigger. And that the small health
problems I had would get worse and worse. I figured it was better to have
the surgery now while I was relatively healthy than to wait and take a
bigger chance of dying later. I have a 3 yr old daughter and I wanted to
see her grow up and to be there for her later in life. Most obese people
don't live that long. I also wanted to be able to do things with her now
and not have to tell her "Mommy can't do that," because I was too
fat. These are my reasons. You will have your own. For me, the benefits far
outweighed the risk. Everyone has to make their own decision on this,
though. I am 5 months out, 81 pounds down, and only 25 more to goal. I am
healthier and happier and look better. I am also more active and take on
whatever activities my daughter wants to participate in, from mommy and me
gymnastics to horseback riding. Good luck to you. I know that you will make
the right decision for YOU. The fact that you are asking tells me that!
— ctyst
October 1, 2001
— Jen S.
October 1, 2001
If you ever get time to read my profile you will see i was scared half to
death esp after i saw the video of the surgery.! I said oh no ...no way!!!
Then my husband calmed me down. He said what do you rem. about your gall
bladder surgery? i said..nothing....i was out...(duhhhhh)
Then he asked my surgeon if it was possible i could die from the surgery,
(blood clot or something cz I'm 58) He said yes, but its about as likely as
Bill Clinton becoming celebate!!!! I'm still scared at times....who
isnt..of any surgery???? But....this is a fixer upper and I'm ready.
— Jackiis
October 1, 2001
I'm 32 and I had the surgery almost 8 months ago. I weighed 330 and I now
weigh 235. It is the best thing that every happened to me. My only regret
is that I didn't have it in my 20's. You might want to ask around and see
if there are any support groups in your area. Mine has alot of pre-ops and
they get a chance to pick the brains of us post-ops. I wish I had known
about the group and this site before my surgery. I know it's scary, but it
is sooooo worth it.
— Meredith A.
October 2, 2001
Carol... just a few thoughts. If you found out you had to have your gall
bladder out, for example, would you be as scared? The answer to that
question could be very revealing. Is it abdominal surgery that is scary,
or just WLS? I had WLS 7 weeks ago, have lost 43 lbs, and would do it
again in a heartbeat. What are the risks of remaining at 360? WLS is not
fun, but it's a lot better than living a morbidly obese life.
— Nancy G.
October 2, 2001
I think the waiting most of us go through before having our WLS is a mixed
blessing. We are able to do research, prepare ourselves and our family,
etc. But at the same time, it gives us ALOT of time to think. Most
surgeries are done on a more urgent basis. There is no 6 months or more
hanging over our heads. Its amazing how our imaginations can run wild,
especially in the middle of a sleepless night. I've had surgeries before,
but they never scared me much. I simply didn't have time to think about it
not working or dying on the table or bloodclots etc. Once I was in
gallbladder pain and the other time I was in the throes of a nonproductive
labor. An operation was simply the means to an end of the pain. In many
ways, so is WLS...I just wish we didn't have so much daggone time to
comptemplate it lol. Good Luck.
— Donna L.
October 2, 2001
Q. "Honestly, I would like to know what to expect before and after the
surgery?"
A. Expect the unexpected, since everyone is different. Expect to be
surprised at what others thought may affect you, may not- and vice versa.
I read tons of questions on this site about people being
"shocked" that no one ever "told them" about
"this" or "that".. as if they did not fully research
possible problems that could arise. So I would be prepared for ANYTHING,
and happy if you encounter NOTHING, but research EVERYTHING. You need to
be responsible for your own decisions regarding this surgery, do not let
anyone else talk you into it. Because you ALONE are responsible for
yourself, so if you want to make the committment, prepare for some
struggles ahead- you may or may not have them. As with any surgery there
are risks, and sometimes you encounter some hills you must climb. My only
advice is BE AWARE & PREPARE -read everything. Everytime you hear of a
possible problem you could face after surgery- ask yourself- what will I do
in this situation? Join the WLS support group BEFORE you have surgery, so
you can hear first hand what others are dealing with, ask questions, watch
what they eat, visit them in the hospital- there are ways of educating
yourself for the journey ahead of you.
— Karen R.
October 2, 2001
I agree w/ the poster that said are you scared of the surgery or the weight
loss. For myself I will be having the surgery soon. I was very scared,
mostly about dying
on the operating table and never seening my family again!!
I posted a similar question, and someone answered me by saying my chances
of dying of Morbid obesity were much higher than dying on the operating
table. This put things into perspective. I also have had many surgeries
before and have never been this scared, but all major surgeries have risks.
Good Luck in what ever you decide is best for you.
— Cindee A.
Click Here to Return